Music

Madonna Arrives Late, Tells Crowd Not To Be ‘Fat and Lazy’ In U.S. Tour Debut

Related Tags:

Madonna can’t help but make headlines everywhere she goes. Her show in Philadelphia, PA last night was no different.

For the U.S. debut of her tour, the Material Girl managed to show up nearly an hour late, starting the concert off with an apology to fans, The New York Times reported.

“I wanted the show to be perfect for you, because my fans deserve it, and quite frankly I deserve it,” she told the crowd.

The night focused on new music from her latest album, MDNA, along with her hits “Like a Prayer,” the Lady Gaga-infused “Express Yourself” and “Like A Virgin,” which she slowed down to a minor-key ballad. Even her son Rocco made an appearance, dancing with his mom during “Open My Heart,” off of 1986’s True Blue.

During “Human Nature,” the singer launched into a slinky striptease to reveal the words “No Fear” stenciled on her back. She then told the crowd, “Sometimes it’s easier to show your ass, than show your feelings, but tonight, maybe we can all live dangerously.”

Earlier this week, Madonna wrote a letter to fans explaining the use of guns and violent imagery during her show saying they were metaphors for the evil in this world. The gunplay still appeared in her U.S. show, along with other violent imagery, such as hanging herself during her 2005 song “Hung Up.”

Madonna also spoke openly about her views on the recently imprisoned Russian punk band, P**** Riot, which she had previously done when she played in Russia. She then expressed her love of the United States, Billboard reported, preaching to the crowd.

“In my country we have freedom of speech. We have freedom of expression,” she said. “Don’t get fat and lazy and take that freedom for granted.”